ConstructionJobs.com - The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

There is very little we here at Construction Jobs, Inc. haven’t seen when it comes to resumes and the way in which clients respond to them. As the article above mentions, there is a science to attracting companies who offer the challenging positions you want to tackle. That science involves presenting oneself in a clear, attractive, easy-to-follow format that lists job specifics and accomplishments and shows pride in one’s ability to get a job done well and on time. Candidates who present themselves in such a way are irresistible to strong companies.

Following are two actual resumes which candidates have posted at Construction Jobs.com over the years. Of course we’ve changed names, places, dates, etc., but we think the documents are representative, in the first case, of the kind of clear, specific resume that attracts attention and commands respect and, in the second case, of the kind that discourage investigation and make the client assume that a candidate who doesn’t take pride in how he presents himself won’t take enough pride in the work he does. The second resume contains some useful information about a solid candidate, but few hiring authorities are going to take the time to decipher the document in the format in which it is presented.

Example #1:

Joe Smith
612 Princeton Street • Pittsburgh, PA • 555.555.5555 • JSmith@yahoo.com
In the industry since: 1968

Resume Details:
Objective: A position as a Mechanical, Electrical or General Superintendent

Profile:

35 years experience as professional manager.
Ability to direct complex projects from concept to fully operational status.
Goal-oriented individual with strong leadership capabilities.
Organized, highly motivated, and detail-directed problem solver.
Proven ability to work in unison with project managers, vendor and clients.

Education:

Providence Polytechnic Institute – Metallurgy
New Hampshire State – Business courses U.A. Pipe Fitters – Apprenticeship training
10 hours OSHA Safety Training
MA. Unrestricted Builders License

Relevant Experience & Accomplishments:

Program Coordination
- Successfully established D. Copperfield Co. /Dodger Engineering resulting in $6 million annual business.
- Designed and built pharmaceutical systems.
- Managed and completed $19.6 million public housing projects.
- Successfully completed $2.2 million public building renovation and additions.

Employment:

General Superintendent , Kurtz Construction

Responsible for managing and supervising elderly housing renovations and other public projects. 2004-present

Construction Manager, People’s Energy for the New Brunswick Housing Authority
- Responsible for housing unit construction supervision
- Assisted in obtaining grants for community development funds.
- Designed and implemented preventive maintenance program. 2000-2004
General Superintendent, Gatsby Construction Co.
- Renovated an existing 11,000 square foot library building and built a two storied addition.
- This project was accomplished while library conducted normal business activities. 1998-2000
Superintendent, H. Caulfield Company, Inc.
- Airport building renovation. 1997-1998
Sole Proprietor, D. Copperfield Co. /Dodger Engineering
- Designed, engineered and constructed pharmaceutical systems.
- Managed ten full time employees 1977-1996

Example #2:

Mike Jones
Resume Details:
Mike R. Jones 2364 Sherlock Street., Doylestown, PA (444) 444-4444 mikerjones@yahoo.com.

To succeed in the construction industry in a management position. Work Experience February 1997 to Present Keystone Paving, Inc. Tioga, PA, General Manager/Estimator Prepared cost estimates and submitted bids for private and public heavy highway construction projects. Prepared annual budget and revenue projections for multi million dollar company. Reviewed and analyzed financial statements. Supervised and managed office staff including hiring and performance evaluations. Evaluated and researched appropriate accounting and estimating software acquisition and managed installation. Negotiated contract terms and rates with banks, bonding companies and insurance carriers. Researched and implemented a unique company pension plan. Managed and directed a 100 percent increase in sales over a five year period. June 1982 to January 1997 Moriarty Paving, Philadelphia, PA, Estimator/Project Manager. Researched and implemented accounting software purchase and installation. Managed road, wastewater, landfill and site projects. Prepared cost estimates for road and site work projects for review by chief estimator. Performed quantity takeoffs using manual and computerized systems. Education Mycroft University B.A. Business Administration 1982 A.A.S. Construction Engineering Technology 1984 Certifications Certified Professional Constructor Licensed Residential Builder Skills Bid2Win Construction Estimating Software Forefront Construction Accounting Software Carlson Site and Road Takeoff Software.